One of the most important things to keep your house long lasting is preventing water from entering the premises. Basements are very close to the underground water, which is why they are essential to protect. If you notice a small puddle, it’s time to get basement waterproofing in Philadelphia. These signs mark the beginning of a disaster, and you have to make sure to call for help before it gets worse. While you connect with a professional, you should have basic knowledge of the cause and the treatment.
What leads to the collection of water in the basement?
To find a solution to the problem, you need to figure out its cause. This is precisely why you need to know about the accumulation of moisture in your basement. Being a homeowner, you must have realised that water always finds its way to get in; this is because of the nature of construction. A house basement is prone to moisture because of the way it is constructed. Let us have a look at the factors that can cause wetness in your basement.
- l Problem in soil and drainage system
If the drains of your house are clogged or don’t seep the water properly, then the chances are that it will lead to your basement.
- l Problem with installation and maintenance of gutters
Gutters are a part of the drainage system and help keep the water and other substances away from the buildings. If they are clogged or not installed properly, the water might not get through, causing problems in the area nearby.
- l False slope designing
The slope is an integral part of house construction, and it needs to face away from the house. It should be designed in such a way that the water flows out from the building and slides away rather than staying still or moving back inside.
- l Cracks in the walls
If there are any cracks and holes in your walls, then you must know that water will find its way inside. This happens because of hydrostatic pressure, where the water pushes itself down because of gravity. This forces the water to finds its way out with the help of cracks and holes in the building.
Best methods to repair your basement
Now that we are aware of why basements are prone to the collection of water, let’s discuss the best methods that can help ease the problem:
- Interior waterproofing
This method is considered one of the easiest as well as economical. The basics of the procedure begin with sealing the cracks or holes over the walls, doors, floor and even the basement’s ceiling. As discussed earlier, this is a common reason for the water to peep inside the basement. If you wonder how it’s done, then professionals have unique sealing material to close all the holes and cracks in the foundation.
To keep the humidity levels down, one can also use waterproof sealants right from the start and prevent condensation. These are just some tactics that can help you put the problem on pause but not finish it from the root.
- Exterior waterproofing
The root of the problem comes from the outside of the basement and not the inside. Basement waterproofing in Philadelphia requires you to look outside your homes to catch the real culprit and treat it right. Exterior waterproofing includes a more extensive process than interior waterproofing, so it’s always better to consult a professional for that. This method requires you to dig out the soil around your house’s walls and then seal off the outside walls with a waterproof sealant. This involves a workforce, so it might not be easy to do it all by yourself. The sealant is polymer based and can last up to the entire life of the building.
It is suggested that this process be followed during the construction of the building as a precautionary measure for a future problem.
- Drainage systems
The main culprit of all the hassle you are facing could be your drainage system. Installation of a proper drainage system is one of the most important things if you want to give a long life to your house. The primary purpose of the drainage system is to throw out the water from your house and keep the outside water away from it. If you have a fault in the drainage system, water may start collecting around the house, which is not just bad for your basement. It will breed insects, surround your house with a foul smell, and give way to many diseases. So, while you are looking out for a new home, always check if it has a proper drainage system around.
The only way of protecting your house from being spoilt is to prevent the rainwater, snow water and other liquids from flowing inside the house. Ensure to check for systems like gutter system, drainage system and correct installation of the slope in your house.